What Is a FORTIFIED Roof & Why Gulf Coast Homeowners Should Care
When Hurricane Ida made landfall on August 29, 2021, with gusts exceeding 150 mph, it shredded rooftops from Grand Isle to Baton Rouge. In Louisiana alone, insurers have paid out more than $10.9 billion across 319,000+ claims — most related to roof and water damage.
For families along the Gulf Coast, the lesson was painfully clear: your roof is the first — and sometimes only — line of defense against catastrophic loss. That’s why forward-thinking homeowners are turning to the FORTIFIED Roof program — an evidence-based upgrade developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
Learn more about our roofing services and how we implement FORTIFIED standards across the Gulf Coast.
By reinforcing critical weak points before the next storm, a FORTIFIED Roof can transform your home from vulnerable to resilient — often while unlocking significant insurance discounts and access to state-supported incentive programs.
Understanding the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof Standard
Developed over two decades of wind-tunnel testing, the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof Standard establishes clear, measurable criteria that go well beyond ordinary building code. Homes can earn one of three designation levels — Bronze, Silver, or Gold — each verified by a certified third-party evaluator.
Bronze vs. Silver vs. Gold: How the Levels Differ
- Bronze (roof-only)
This is the entry level of FORTIFIED protection. It strengthens the roof itself — securing edges, sealing the deck, and using stronger fasteners — so shingles stay put when the wind picks up.
Southern Home Improvement most commonly installs this level for existing homes because it provides a major resilience boost without requiring structural changes. - Silver
Builds upon Bronze by adding bracing to gable ends (the triangular walls under your roof peaks) and enhancing protection for attic vents, garage doors, windows, doors, and other openings. The result? Reduced risk of wind and water intrusion in storm conditions. - Gold
The most comprehensive level. It ties together your roof, walls, and foundation into a unified, load-resistant structure. Every connection point — from shingles to siding to slab — is reinforced, so the home acts as a single unit under stress.
Core Requirements
- Stronger edges. We install wider, securely fastened drip-edge flashing along every roof edge — so high winds can’t slip underneath and lift your shingles.
- Sealed deck. The wooden roof sheathing is fully taped or covered with a waterproof membrane — think of it like wrapping your roof in a rainproof barrier.
- Ring-shank nails (8d). Instead of smooth nails that can pull loose, we use ring-shank nails with ridged shafts that hold up to 2× better — even under violent uplift.
- Rated vents & openings. All attic vents, roof accessories, and skylights are replaced with versions tested to resist wind-driven rain — keeping your attic and insulation dry.
- Impact-resistant shingles. We install Class 3 or 4 roofing materials that deflect hail and wind-blown debris — helping your roof resist dents, punctures, and cracks.
7 Reasons to Upgrade Now
Upgrading to a FORTIFIED roof isn’t just about meeting building codes — it’s about transforming your home into a hurricane-resilient system that protects your family and investment. It’s an upgrade that starts paying off well before the next storm. Here’s why so many Gulf Coast homeowners are acting now:
- Hurricane Wind Defense. Laboratory tests show that FORTIFIED roofs withstand sustained wind gusts of 130–150 mph — exactly the kind of destructive force that tears off conventional shingles.
- Leak Prevention. A fully sealed roof deck and rated vents help block wind-driven rain, reducing the risk of mold, rotted sheathing, and interior water damage during heavy storms.
- Insurance Discounts. Many insurers in Louisiana and Mississippi offer 20–60 % premium reductions on wind & hail policies for homes with a certified FORTIFIED roof, reflecting the lower risk of claims.
- Up to $10,000 in Louisiana Grant Funding. Through the state’s Fortify Homes Program, eligible homeowners may qualify for up to $10,000 in funding to offset upgrade costs.
Note: applications open in scheduled rounds and are subject to availability.
- Higher Resale Value. Homes with a FORTIFIED roof often command a higher market price, as buyers increasingly value disaster-resilient features and long-term savings.
- Lower Lifetime Repair Costs. With ring-shank nails, impact-resistant materials, and better sealing, you’re far less likely to face emergency patch jobs, tarp repairs, or water-damaged interiors.
- Peace of Mind. A FORTIFIED roof provides confidence — knowing your home is better prepared to withstand hurricanes, and your family is better protected when it matters most.
Costs, Incentives & ROI in Louisiana and Mississippi
Investing in a FORTIFIED roof may seem costly at first glance, but thanks to state grants, insurance discounts, and a strong long-term return on investment, many Gulf Coast homeowners recover their costs in just a few years.
Louisiana Fortify Homes Program — Up to $10,000 Toward Your Roof
The Fortify Homes Program, administered by the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI), offers grants of up to $10,000 to eligible homeowners upgrading to the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof Standard.
These funds cover construction labor and materials, while any excess costs are paid by the homeowner.
Applications are selected via a lottery system during limited enrollment windows. Once the work is complete and verified by a certified evaluator, grant payments are made directly to the approved contractor.
As of mid-2025, more than 1,800 grants have been awarded since the program’s launch in October 2023 — helping Louisiana residents strengthen their homes and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Tip: Enrollment periods are announced in advance. Visit ldi.la.gov/fortifyhomes for the next opportunity to apply.
Typical Insurance Savings
- Homeowners insurance. A 2024 legislative audit reported a median premium reduction of 22%, which equates to about $1,250 per year on a typical $5,625 policy after installing a FORTIFIED roof.
- Windstorm policies (Mississippi). The Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association offers 40–55% discounts on wind-only policies for homes certified to the FORTIFIED standard.
- Private carrier discounts. Major insurers like State Farm, USAA, and Allstate commonly provide 20–30% discounts for wind mitigation upgrades, such as impact-resistant shingles and sealed roof decks.
Payback Timeline vs. Conventional Roof
- Additional cost. Upgrading to FORTIFIED standards typically adds $1,000–3,000 in labor and materials for a 1,500 sq ft home with a simple gable roof and normal pitch.
- Out-of-pocket after incentives. With the $10,000 Louisiana grant or equivalent programs in Mississippi, many homeowners pay little to nothing extra — and some actually pay less than a conventional replacement.
- Annual savings. With $1,000–1,250/year in average insurance savings, the modest upgrade cost is often recouped within 1–3 years.
- Standard roof vs. FORTIFIED. A typical asphalt shingle roof may cost $10,000–15,000, while a FORTIFIED roof runs $13,000–18,000 before incentives. But with grant funding, discounts, and lower long-term maintenance, the FORTIFIED option usually wins on total cost of ownership.
By combining state-sponsored funding and insurance premium savings, homeowners across the Gulf Coast can turn a FORTIFIED roof into a high-value, cost-effective upgrade with benefits that begin immediately and last for decades.
Step by Step: The FORTIFIED Re‑Roof Process
The FORTIFIED program by IBHS ensures that every upgrade is properly verified and documented — turning your roof into a high-performance, wind-resistant system that meets science-backed construction standards.
Inspection & Scope
The process begins with a visit from a FORTIFIED Evaluator — an independent, trained professional who inspects your existing roof, attic ventilation, and structural conditions.
They complete a standardized checklist to identify which of the five core requirements must be addressed and work with you and your contractor to develop a project scope.
This documentation is essential for both grant approval and insurance verification.
Tear-Off & Install
Next, the certified team at Southern Home Improvement removes your existing roofing down to the deck, assesses for damage, and installs the upgraded system according to FORTIFIED Roof standards:
- A waterproof membrane, double layer of synthetic felt or taped seams to create a fully sealed deck
- Stronger drip-edge flashing and ring-shank nails for edge protection and uplift resistance
- Laminated Architectural 3-Dimensional Impact-resistant shingles (Class 3/4) capable of withstanding hail and debris
Every component is carefully selected and installed to meet the exact specifications outlined by IBHS.
Third-Party Evaluation
After installation, the FORTIFIED Evaluator returns to verify compliance with all required elements:
roof edges, deck sealing, nail spacing, vent upgrades, and shingle or panel type.
They collect photographic evidence, complete the final compliance checklist, and submit all documentation to IBHS for review.
Certificate (5 years, renewable)
Once approved, the homeowner receives an official FORTIFIED New Roof Certificate, valid for five years.
This designation is recognized by insurers, grant providers, and potential buyers as proof of enhanced structural resilience.
After five years, a simplified re-evaluation can be completed to renew your certification — ensuring you maintain access to insurance premium discounts and peace of mind during future storm seasons.
Are Your Materials Compatible?
Not every roofing product qualifies for the FORTIFIED Roof designation. To meet the strict performance standards set by IBHS — including resistance to 130–150 mph winds, wind-driven rain, and hail impact — your roof must be built with approved, tested components at every layer.
Underlayment & Deck Protection
- Primo-Guard® Ice & Water Leak Barrier (ASTM D1970) or Top Shield® Defender Ice & Water Leak Barrier
- Summit 60™ Synthetic Underlayment for Roof Deck Protection or Grip-Rite™ Premium Roof Synthetic Underlayment
- GAF Roof Deck Seam Tape to seal all seams between sheathing panels
These materials work together to create a fully sealed deck, preventing water intrusion even if shingles are damaged or lost during a storm.
Starter Strip & Flashings
- MFM SA® Peel & Stick Self-Adhered Starter Roll applied beneath the first course of shingles
- Wider and thicker metal drip-edge flashing, mechanically fastened around the roof perimeter
Properly installed starter strips and upgraded flashings create the stronger edges required to prevent wind uplift.
Fasteners
- 2 ⅜” 8d ring-shank nails, spaced according to IBHS specifications
These nails feature ridged shafts that provide twice the pull-out resistance of standard smooth nails, helping your roof deck stay secure during extreme wind events.
Ventilation & Openings
- TAS 100-rated attic vents, and ridge vent systems
- Impact-resistant skylights, where applicable
All vents and penetrations must be tested to withstand wind-driven rain, ensuring attic areas remain dry and structurally sound.
Roof Covering
- IKO® Cambridge or IKO® Dynasty Class 3 shingles (rated Class F & H)
- IKO® Nordic or Atlas® Pinnacle Impact 4 impact-resistant shingles
These high-performance materials are designed to resist hail, debris impact, and high wind pressure — meeting IBHS standards for resilient roof coverings.
Southern Home Improvement installs only components that meet or exceed IBHS FORTIFIED specifications. Before you re-roof, ask us for a compatibility checklist to ensure your entire system—from underlayment to ridge cap—is fully compliant and storm-ready.
Ready to Protect Your Home? Request Your FORTIFIED Roof Estimate
Don’t wait for the next storm to expose your roof’s vulnerabilities. Upgrading to a FORTIFIED Roof now means:
- Reliable hurricane wind protection
- Annual insurance premium savings of up to 60%
- Potential eligibility for up to $10,000 in Louisiana state grant funding (as of July 2025, awarded by lottery)
Southern Home Improvement makes the process simple and transparent.
Fill out our quick online form to receive a FREE, no-obligation estimate. A certified FORTIFIED Approved Contractor will review your information and our scheduling team will contact you within 24 hours to schedule your inspection.